Q: I love the Neenah-Menasha Santa float, but who pays for it? Is that on the taxpayers’ dime?

A: The Santa float dates to the 1950s and is one of the treasures that make Neenah and Menasha unique. It makes its rounds each year, drawing children and adults out of their homes to greet Santa. The float operates 10 nights each year. A route typically starts at 5:30 p.m. and last 2 ½ hours.

The float is operated by Neenah-Menasha firefighters union Local 275 and is staffed by off-duty firefighters, who volunteer their time. Costs associated with the operation and maintenance of the float are paid through private donations and Local 275's benevolent fund, not tax dollars.

Bruce Levenhagen, president of Levenhagen Oil Corp. of Neenah, has donated all of the fuel necessary to operate the float for the past 15 years.

"With this generous donation and financial contributions from local businesses and residents, we are able to continue to maintain the float," said Tara Theisen, office manager for Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue.

Levenhagen said he is pleased to help with the time-honored tradition.

"As a kid growing up, we used to ride behind it with our bikes," he said. "Today, I ride behind it in my car. I see the people coming to the window — they can be 80 or 90 years old or they can be 3 years old — and it brings great joy and happiness."

The fire department is seeking donations to help purchase a new generator for the float. Contributions can be sent to Local 275 Santa Float Trust Fund, c/o Garrett Gee, 125 E. Columbian Ave., Neenah, WI 54956.